It may be a surprise for some people, but you can absolutely get a DUI while driving a golf cart. In fact, you can get a DUI while driving a motorized bicycle, a regular pedal bicycle, a skateboard, or even riding on a horse. And you can get a DUI when not even on a road. You can get a DUI even while skateboarding in your own driveway.
In a state that is dominated by tourism, golf carts are ubiquitous and most people assume they are okay to drive when drinking because it doesn’t need a license (although the law is rapidly changing). It’s common to see street-legal golf carts puttering around wherever they’re welcome, and let’s face it, they’re fun to drive. But just because they’re not as powerful as a traditional car or motorcycle doesn’t mean that you can drink as much as you want and take off on one without potential legal consequences..
The law previously applied only to “Motor Vehicles.” The law was changed several years ago to include all “Vehicles” whether motorized or not. This new definition is very broad.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so let’s learn more about what is prohibited and why.
What’s a “Vehicle?”
In Florida, the scope of DUI laws is very broad. The DUI law in Florida, found at Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, purposely used the term “Vehicle,” not “Motor Vehicle” in its prohibitions. Any device not on tracks which a person can ride on or in is considered a vehicle for DUI laws. Specifically, the actual definition of “Vehicle” is found at Section 316.003(99) of the Florida Statutes. It is defined there as “any device in, upon or by which any person or property is, or may be, transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.” This wide-ranging definition of vehicles has significant implications for DUI laws. The penalties for DUI in Florida are serious, regardless of the vehicle type involved.
Where Can You Drive and Not Get a DUI?
Nowhere within the State of Florida. Florida’s DUI laws are applicable to anyone operating a vehicle within the State. Unlike some other vehicle laws such as the crime of Driving While License Suspended which requires the driving to be on a “Street or Highway” which is defined broadly where regular vehicular traffic can travel, the DUI law is written to include driving the vehicle anywhere. It is not limited by streets or highways or by property rights. The old joke is that a farmer on the “back 40” of his farm can get a DUI on his tractor.
It is patently obvious then that one driving a golf cart while even when on the golf course can get a DUI. Tell your golfing buddies that one!
Working on Your Defense
Understanding the legal implications of DUIs, particularly for non-traditional vehicles like golf carts, is essential. Given Florida’s tourist-centric environment where golf carts are popular, it’s important to recognize that the same stringent DUI laws apply to these vehicles as they do to cars and trucks. This means that the relaxed, leisurely use of golf carts does not exempt drivers from the responsibility of adhering to DUI laws. The consequences of a DUI while operating a golf cart can be as severe as those for more conventional vehicles, reflecting the seriousness with which Florida treats DUI offenses across all forms of motorized transport.Dealing with a DUI charge in Florida, regardless of the vehicle involved, can be an emotionally taxing experience. It’s a time filled with questions and concerns about the future. At Malcolm Anthony, P.A. we understand these challenges and are committed to providing comprehensive legal defense and compassionate support. If you’re facing such a situation, reach out to schedule a consultation by calling (904) 285-4529, and let us help you defend your rights.
It may be a surprise for some people, but you can absolutely get a DUI while driving a golf cart. In fact, you can get a DUI while driving a motorized bicycle, a regular pedal bicycle, a skateboard, or even riding on a horse. And you can get a DUI when not even on a road. You can get a DUI even while skateboarding in your own driveway.
In a state that is dominated by tourism, golf carts are ubiquitous and most people assume they are okay to drive when drinking because it doesn’t need a license (although the law is rapidly changing). It’s common to see street-legal golf carts puttering around wherever they’re welcome, and let’s face it, they’re fun to drive. But just because they’re not as powerful as a traditional car or motorcycle doesn’t mean that you can drink as much as you want and take off on one without potential legal consequences..
The law previously applied only to “Motor Vehicles.” The law was changed several years ago to include all “Vehicles” whether motorized or not. This new definition is very broad.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so let’s learn more about what is prohibited and why.
What’s a “Vehicle?”
In Florida, the scope of DUI laws is very broad. The DUI law in Florida, found at Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, purposely used the term “Vehicle,” not “Motor Vehicle” in its prohibitions. Any device not on tracks which a person can ride on or in is considered a vehicle for DUI laws. Specifically, the actual definition of “Vehicle” is found at Section 316.003(99) of the Florida Statutes. It is defined there as “any device in, upon or by which any person or property is, or may be, transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.” This wide-ranging definition of vehicles has significant implications for DUI laws. The penalties for DUI in Florida are serious, regardless of the vehicle type involved.
Where Can You Drive and Not Get a DUI?
Nowhere within the State of Florida. Florida’s DUI laws are applicable to anyone operating a vehicle within the State. Unlike some other vehicle laws such as the crime of Driving While License Suspended which requires the driving to be on a “Street or Highway” which is defined broadly where regular vehicular traffic can travel, the DUI law is written to include driving the vehicle anywhere. It is not limited by streets or highways or by property rights. The old joke is that a farmer on the “back 40” of his farm can get a DUI on his tractor.
It is patently obvious then that one driving a golf cart while even when on the golf course can get a DUI. Tell your golfing buddies that one!
Working on Your Defense
Understanding the legal implications of DUIs, particularly for non-traditional vehicles like golf carts, is essential. Given Florida’s tourist-centric environment where golf carts are popular, it’s important to recognize that the same stringent DUI laws apply to these vehicles as they do to cars and trucks. This means that the relaxed, leisurely use of golf carts does not exempt drivers from the responsibility of adhering to DUI laws. The consequences of a DUI while operating a golf cart can be as severe as those for more conventional vehicles, reflecting the seriousness with which Florida treats DUI offenses across all forms of motorized transport.Dealing with a DUI charge in Florida, regardless of the vehicle involved, can be an emotionally taxing experience. It’s a time filled with questions and concerns about the future. At Malcolm Anthony, P.A. we understand these challenges and are committed to providing comprehensive legal defense and compassionate support. If you’re facing such a situation, reach out to schedule a consultation by calling (904) 285-4529, and let us help you defend your rights.
